Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Guarda, Portugal

Situated at the northern edge of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, Guarda is established around a historic castle.

Remnants of this fortification, including two towers, remain visible, along with a Jewish quarter that has preserved Hebrew inscriptions dating back to the 1100s.

The prominent Gothic cathedral stands out as the main attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to ascend to its roof for a panoramic view of the city.

Your exploration will continue along the historic streets of the old town, where you can admire the 17th-century palaces and medieval mansions, many of which still display their original family coats of arms.

Moreover, the Serra da Estrela region provides a chance for breathtaking mountain vistas, as well as the opportunity to visit charming upland villages or picturesque river beaches ideal for cooling off in the summer.

Let us delve into the most noteworthy activities in Guarda:

1. Guarda Cathedral

Undoubtedly, the cathedral is Guarda’s primary monument and exhibits both Gothic and some Manueline architectural influences.

Construction began in 1390 and spanned until the mid-16th century, during which time the more ornate stonework was incorporated.

Such details can be observed on the portal, the pinnacles adorning the exterior walls, and the twisting columns within.

As a creation of the medieval era, the church displays fewer ornamental elements compared to Portuguese Baroque architecture; instead, its charm rests in its grand vaults, a remarkable reredos carved from limestone in 1553, and its overall sense of scale.

Visitors can access the roof via a staircase to appreciate the impressive flying buttresses and pinnacles while overlooking Guarda and the surrounding countryside.

2. Guarda’s Defensive Walls

While leisurely exploring Guarda’s old town, one will encounter stone passageways, revealing that the medieval walls still delineate the historic boundaries.

These fortifications were established during the reign of Sancho I at the transition of the 13th century and were reinforced by successive monarchs over the subsequent two centuries.

A notable remnant is the Torre dos Ferreiros, dating from the reign of King Denis, which served as a gatekeeper and houses an oratory featuring a depiction of the crucified Christ, “Senhor dos Aflitos”.

3. Guarda Castle

Essentially a component of the fortress, Guarda Castle, known as Torre de Menagem, stands at the highest elevation in Portugal.

This structure features an irregular pentagonal design and is perched atop a granite outcrop.

A staircase leads up from the city; the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view of Guarda from this strategic vantage point.

The castle also contains a small museum detailing the city’s history, which operates during limited hours.

4. Praça Luís de Camões

Located directly in front of the cathedral, Guarda’s central square is a pleasant, primarily vehicle-free area encircled by historic structures, which are either painted white or feature exposed granite.

Key attractions in this space provide deeper insights into the city: prominently, the statue of Sancho I, who ruled from 1185 to 1211 and conferred city rights upon Guarda in 1199. Within a refined old residence boasting a loggia, one can find the tourist office and Loja da Guarda, which offers authentic regional products and crafts such as yarn, jewelry, soap, and chocolate.

5. Museu da Guarda

Situated within the episcopal seminary, Guarda’s museum chronicles the region’s history through a comprehensive collection.

Founded in 1940, it houses over 4,800 artifacts spanning various eras.

The exhibits include archaeological finds predating the Roman occupation, religious sculptures, antique firearms, and Portuguese paintings from the 19th century.

Additionally, there are displays dedicated to the folk traditions of Guarda, including archival photographs, ceramics, and traditional games.

The seminary itself is noteworthy, as it is a remarkable Mannerist structure built in 1601, featuring a noble porch adorned with columns, arches, and gargoyles.

6. Old Centre

After leisurely wandering the Praça Luís de Camões and its adjacent streets (Largo da Sé or Dom Miguel de Alarcão), one may notice that several of the more distinguished houses feature sculpted family crests on their facades.

Additionally, just inside the walls near the gate known as Porta d’El Rei lies the location of Guarda’s former Jewish quarter established in the 1200s, where Hebrew inscriptions can still be found if one knows where to look.

Behind the cathedral, the Solar do Alarcão, a mansion dating back to 1686, houses an annexed chapel.

This exquisite building has been transformed into a pousada (heritage hotel) for visitors seeking upscale accommodations.

7. Igreja de São Vicente

This church, located on Rua Direita, serves as a main artery of the old town, linking Porta d’El Rei with Porta da Erva.

Having medieval roots, it underwent significant renovations in the 1790s, with designs realized by the Italian-trained Antônio Fernandes Rodrigues.

It is a monument of great interest, particularly for the decorative tiles that adorn the walls of the nave.

Those familiar with biblical narratives will recognize themes depicted in these panels, including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Passion, the Flight into Egypt, and the Tower of David, among others.

8. Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mileu

Located outside the city walls and a short walk from the center of Guarda, one of the city’s oldest monuments is found.

The precise date of establishment for this Romanesque chapel remains uncertain; however, it is believed to have functioned as a Christian place of worship during the Moorish period, predating the 1100s.

This sturdy and modest structure evolved into a significant pilgrimage site from the 1300s onward, being part of one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Furthermore, the area holds an air of mystery due to the adjacent ruins, discovered in 1953, which may date back to Roman times.

9. Teatro Municipal da Guarda

When cultural events transpire in Guarda, this minimalist structure—comprising two large concrete and glass volumes—serves as the principal venue.

The larger of the two features two auditoriums, the more spacious accommodating up to 600 individuals, while the smaller cube hosts a live music stage and an art gallery.

Open since 2005, this theatre has established itself as a contemporary landmark within the city.

The artistic programming is diverse and unexpectedly rich for a mid-sized city, encompassing plays, orchestral performances, fado, theater, dance, screenings of independent films, as well as exhibitions showcasing contemporary art and photography.

10. Parque Urbano do Rio Diz

A few kilometers from the historical core lies a park that may require a second glance.

This public space is entirely free and features some of the most imaginative climbing structures that children are likely to enjoy.

The park includes a tower with slides, various climbing frames, see-saws, roundabouts, and an intriguing installation resembling a space station, which offers children a series of metallic tunnels to explore.

Additionally, pedal karts can be rented for kids to navigate the winding trails within the park.

11. Castelo de Linhares da Beira

Similar to Guarda, this castle to the west was commissioned by Sancho I and served as an important fortress situated high in the Serra da Estrela.

Post-reconquest of Portugal from the Moors in the mid-13th century, focus shifted towards the eastern territories of modern-day Spain.

This grand fortification featured two enclosed areas, two cisterns for drinking water, and four gateways.

Both the castle, with its striking rectangular towers, and the charming old village nearby, characterized by its network of winding cobblestone streets, warrant exploration.

12. Tower of Centum Cellas

A short drive to the south reveals an intriguing ruin perched atop a hill, providing distant views in every direction.

This structure dates back to Roman times, and for a long time, it was presumed to serve as a defensive building.

However, revelations about its purpose proved to be far more captivating, as it belonged to an opulent villa established around the 1st century.

The villa’s owner, Lucius Caecilius, accrued wealth through the tin trade.

During medieval times, a chapel was incorporated into the structure, and it later functioned as a watchtower.

13. Sortelha

Frequently recognized as one of Portugal’s most picturesque villages, Sortelha resembles a large time capsule.

Positioned atop a hill, this small settlement of stone houses is safeguarded by 13th-century walls and dominated by a castle in the background.

Its formidable appearance arises from its historical context as a frontier village facing threats from Castile and Leon to the east during medieval times.

Consequently, the walls and beautiful granite streets were preserved as the local population relocated to more fertile areas in the 19th century.

14. Serra da Estrela

Guarda is in close proximity to the tallest mountain range on mainland Portugal.

This extensive granite range, characterized by glacial valleys, is renowned for its lush pine, chestnut, and holm oak forests, as well as unique granite rock formations.

During winter, it becomes the sole skiing and snowboarding destination in Portugal.

The ski resort is located towards the southern part of the park, while the northern region offers scenic drives and natural attractions such as the Poço do Inferno waterfall.

For those seeking adventure, there are nearly 400 kilometers of marked trails available for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.

15. River Beaches

Given the absence of oceans for hundreds of kilometers and the sweltering summer heat, one may find it necessary to search for refreshing places.

In this region, river beaches (praias fluviais) serve as an ideal solution. Valhelhas offers a wonderful bathing location within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park; here, a dam on the river forms a pool of clear, glimmering water amid a vast mountain landscape.

Additionally, Aldeia Viçosa features another pristine pool, surrounded by a pine forest, providing a pleasant picnic and relaxation spot in the shade.